2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review

The Volkswagen Atlas was VW's first swing at a three-row midsize SUV, and the automaker knocked it out of the park. Aggressive styling, a comfortable interior, and plenty of space for the family meant that the Atlas was a class leader right out of the gate. And if it seems like the Atlas' introduction wasn't that long ago, that's because it wasn't — the three-row Vee-Dub was introduced in 2018. But new competitors and a rapidly evolving market mean Volkswagen feels the need to offer some updates to keep the Atlas fresh.

For 2021, the Atlas gets a new set of headlights, a new grille, new bumpers and new taillights. The new bumpers make the Atlas about 3 inches longer from nose to tail, but the underpinnings and wheelbase remain the same. The interior receives some mild changes such as a new steering wheel and the addition of new driver aids including traffic-sign recognition. Alas, the Atlas is powered by the same engines: a turbocharged 235-horsepower four-cylinder and a 276-hp six-cylinder engine. We think Volkswagen missed an opportunity here to add some power under the hood since even the optional six-cylinder lacks the low-end torque we'd want for the large crossover.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is still a strong choice in a highly competitive segment. Even-sleeker styling, a well-built interior, and plenty of space for the family in all three rows makes it a top contender among three-row family SUVs.